Bico

This area is locally known as the Ínsuas area, although it is also referred to as “Bico” due to its original shape. The available water comes from the Panó Stream and underground springs, contributing to the balance of habitats. There are patches of reed, bulrush, cattail, willows and even water lilies, which provide suitable conditions for the presence and nesting of bird species (this area is home to an important colony of Purple Herons, also known as Red Herons), as well as for fish, with this area being considered a true “fish nursery” due to the favourable conditions it provides for spawning.

Formerly used for rice cultivation and for growing bulrush, which was used as animal feed and in handicrafts (bulrush mats were well known in the region), the area is now important for the biodiversity of the lagoon and the surrounding region, supporting a great variety of species. Also noteworthy is the water lily, which occurs only in this part of the Pateira and characterises the landscape at this location, especially during its flowering period — March/April — although, in favourable years, it may bloom again in September.